Reviews

Coming directly from the last season of Game of Thrones I thought from the first episode that it was a series that I wouldn't 'get into' - but how wrong I was. Although the first episode seemed a little slow - remember I am coming from GOT that is so fast paced your head spins- but setting the scene in this first episode took you into the world of the Saxons and Danes and from then on I was hooked.This is a wonderful, gritty totally enthralling series and I just can't think how I missed it when it was first aired! Very keen now to see season 2 which I hear is currently filming for 2017 - and I am now reading the books. The characterizations are excellent - David Dawson is riveting as King Alfred and there are so many other wonderful performances - often with actors that I haven't seen before - which means they come without any preconditions on my part. Its brilliantly atmospheric with fantastic locations, costume, fight scenes- its the BBC at it's very best.

Filmed in spectacular scenery ( the Isle of Skye) whilst a world war rages, three people build a world where they can still live their dreams. Beautifully portrayed and developed by the English and French actors James Northcote, Maia Levasseur-Costil and Pierre Benoist it has English subtitles where appropriate. The Open was premiered at the Leeds Film Festival as part of their Fanomenon section, it was well received by the audience - in Q & A after the film there were favourable comparisons to The Road directed by John Hillcoat. In this post-apocalyptic tale Stephanie and Ralph focus their lives and minds on playing tennis at the highest level, coached by Andre, while the world falls apart around them- its what keeps them alive - training for an imaginary final at Roland-Garros. A beautiful film which speaks of the strength of the human spirit from new young director Marc Lehore of which I hope to see more.